The Sam Houston softball team opened the 2015 season with a pair of losses in San Marcos Friday, falling to Pittsburgh 13-1 and Texas State 6-1.
The Bearkats are playing in the Hampton Inn and Suites Invitational hosted by Texas State.
Jessica Slater got the Bearkats off to a fast start in the opening game against Pitt. The senior center fielder singled, reached third on an error then scored on a single by junior second baseman Dani Allen to give Sam Houston an early lead.
But Pittsburgh pounded out 14 hits including three home runs and a double to score at least three runs in each of the first four innings.
Senior shortstop Sarah Allison and junior third baseman Peyton Webb produced the Bearkats only other hits.
Sarah King was the winning pitcher for Pittsburgh. Meme Quinn started in the circle for Sam Houston and took the loss. Tayler Atkinson and Amber Neal both pitched in relief.
Webb accounted for the Kats' run in the second game with a sixth inning RBI double down the left field line. The hit scored outfielder Jennie Kieval who singled then advanced into scoring position on an error.
Bobcat pitcher Randi Rupp allowed Sam Houston four hits for the complete game victory. Haley Baros was the losing pitcher for the Bearkats.
Catcher Tiffany Castillo led the SHSU women at the plate in the second game, going 2-for-3 with a single and a double.
Sam Houston plays Texas State again Saturday at 10 a.m. then faces Northern Illinois at 3 p.m. The Kats will wrap up their first tournament of the season Sunday with a 10 a.m. rematch with Pittsburgh.
